Newaygo County Jail

You can support your loved ones at Newaygo Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 231-689-7024.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work at Newaygo County Jail so you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Newaygo Co Jail is a detention center located at 1035 E James St White Cloud, MI which is operated locally by the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Newaygo County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, White Cloud Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals. You can see all the arrest records for Michigan here.

The Newaygo County Jail currently houses inmates for the West Michigan District of the United States Marshals Service. If anyone has questions relating to a federal detainee please contact the U.S. Marshals Service in Grand Rapids, MI - 616-456-2438. The original jail at 300 Williams St was designed to hold 36 inmates. As years went on and the county’s population grew, the jail became too small for the needs of the county. It was not uncommon for the count to reach 70 to 75 on a busy weekend. In 1989 the jail was forced to declare and invoke the Jail Overcrowding Act on five separate occasions. Inmates were released back into the community prior to the completion of their sentence.

Inmate Booking Fee - Each person booked into the Newaygo County Jail is required to pay a $12 Booking Fee to the Newaygo County Jail. A Civil infraction citation (ticket) will be issued at release for the $12.00 booking fee. Failure to pay this citation within 14 days of release from the Newaygo County Jail will result in the citation being turned over to District Court for collection, issuance of a Warrant and $150 fine, plus costs and must be paid at the 78th District Court (231-689-7255). Booking Fee payments will be accepted within 14 days of release at the Newaygo County Sheriff/Jail Administration Office by credit card or with EXACT cash (we do not make change).

If an inmate who has paid the booking fee is later found Not Guilty or the charges are dismissed (on ALL charges), they may fill out a Booking Fee Refund Form for a refund of the $12.00 fee paid. The required form is available at the Jail Administration Office. Once all requirements are met, a check will be issued within approximately the next week and mailed to the inmate.

Inmate Phone Use
Telephones are available in every housing unit and holding areas within the jail. Calls can be placed 24 hours a day. All telephone calls placed from inside this facility are recorded and monitored. There is a connection fee and per-minute charge for each connected call. The call will start with a recording that states the call is coming from the Newaygo County Jail and the person placing the call will give his/her name. At that time the call can be accepted or denied by following the prompts. The number called can also be blocked from ever being called again by following the prompt.

Fifteen-minute calls are $15.80. With an InmateAid number, we can get the same 15-minute call for $3.15 (save $12.65 per call). Click here to check it out.

Please make all inquiries pertaining to issues and billings to Securus Technologies at 1-800-844-6591.

Mail Policy
1. An inmate shall be allowed to send mail to any person or organization unless there are reasonable grounds to believe one or more of the following exists:
The correspondence violates law or postal regulations
b. The inmate is a suicidal risk
There appears to be a plot against the security of the facility
The correspondence concerns plans or schemes for criminal activity
Sending correspondence violates a court order or bond condition
2. All incoming mail, other than privileged mail, shall be in the form of a 4 inch by 6 inch
pre-paid postcard. Photographs used as postcards are prohibited. This does not apply to legal mail.
3. Incoming mail will be inspected for contraband and will not be read by staff unless there is a valid reason to suspect security or criminal violation.
4. Properly identified incoming attorney and court mail for an inmate shall be opened only in the presence of the inmate and its confidentiality shall be maintained.
Mail will be considered legal mail if it is properly identified with a law firm or legal services provider name, address, attorney name, valid P number and designated as confidential legal mail. Mail meeting these criteria will be considered legal mail and will be delivered unless otherwise restricted.
5. Incoming legal mail shall not be read by staff without a search warrant or probable cause that the communicative content of the mail poses an imminent threat to jail security.
6. An inmate shall be allowed to send un-opened correspondence to representing counsel.
7. Outgoing mail may be opened and inspected for contraband in instances where the validity of the protected correspondence cannot be verified.
8. There shall be no correspondence between inmates lodged in the Newaygo County Jail.

B. Restricted Material
1. Any mail or publication that could potentially affect the safety, security or good order of the jail shall not be delivered to the inmate and shall be returned to the sender or placed in the inmate’s property.
2. Any mail that contains information regarding the manufacturing of weapons, explosives, incendiary devices, poisons, drugs or advocates disorder, riots or institutional disruption.
3. Any mail/publications containing any of the following shall not be delivered:
a. picture postcards
b. sexually explicit drawings or images
c. drawings, icons, symbols that may be considered gang-related
d. stickers, glitter, perfume
e. drawings written in crayon, gel pen, glue or other similar substance
f. depicting procedures for manufacturing alcoholic beverages
g. local newspapers
4. Drawings written in pencil or regular pen ink will be permitted with the above exceptions.
5. Third class mail shall not be delivered.
6. Personal checks are not accepted.
7. Stamps, envelopes or paper (available thru the commissary)
8. Any mail deemed undeliverable by jail staff shall be stamped “Return to Sender” and the reason indicated. This shall constitute notice to the addresser of the decision not to deliver the mail.
9. If mail is RTS the inmate addressee will be notified via the “Mail Return to Sender Notice” form that will be completed by staff and delivered to the inmate.
10. Addressers of mail that is returned may appeal the decision to the Lieutenant. This must be done in writing and must contain recipient information and sender’s contact information.

Addressee inmates who wish to file an appeal may do so via an inmate request form (kite) to the jail lieutenant.
All appeals must state “Mail Appeal” and include the reasons the person filing the appeal feels the decision was incorrect. The filer of the appeal will be notified of the decision.
The jail lieutenant receiving the appeal will consider the appeal and render a decision. This decision is final and cannot be appealed. If the lieutenant is unable to make a decision, two other administration members will be consulted and a majority decision rendered. This majority decision is final and cannot be appealed further.
Factors that will be considered during the appeal include whether the mail meets jail policy requirements. Also whether it contains contraband or adversely affects safety, security or the good order of the jail.
For non-inmate addressers, details of how to file an appeal are posted in the jail lobby and on the sheriff’s website under INMATE MAIL.
For inmates, the details of how to file an appeal are posted in housing units and in the inmate rulebook.

C. Quantity
The quantity of mail that an inmate may keep will be limited so as to not create a safety or fire hazard. If, in the opinion of the jail command staff, the amount of mail is excessive, then an inmate must dispose of the excess mail or store it in his/her property locker.

No inmate mail, whether incoming or outgoing, will be held for more than (24) twenty-four hours, excluding weekends or holidays.

Housing/Medical Fees - Michigan Public Act 118 of 1984, MCL. 801.81

Michigan Public Act 118 of 1984 allows that County Jails may seek reimbursement for housing and expenses from inmates. Inmates are required to reimburse the County of Newaygo for a portion of the cost of their housing while incarcerated. This law, more commonly known as the “Prisoner Reimbursement to the County Act”, allows counties to charge up to $60.00 per day for room and board in addition to any expenses the inmate may incur while incarcerated.

• The Newaygo County Jail currently charges $30.00 per day for room and board and inmates are charged for medical treatment/prescriptions received while incarcerated in addition to Indigent fees (charges for haircuts, personal care kits, etc).
• Housing will not be billed until the inmate is no longer incarcerated in the Newaygo County Jail.
• Medical fees are taken out at the time of medical care.
• Housing and Medical expenses are NOT part of fines and costs imposed by the Court.
• Payment plans are available by contacting Inmate Reimbursements at 231-689-7303.
• Refusal to pay or acknowledge the housing/medical expenses will cause the expenses to be referred to a Collection Agency who will take whatever course of action they deem necessary to collect including legal action. An adverse effect may result in an inmate’s credit reference for as long as seven years.
• A 50% discount will be given on Housing Fees if the invoice is paid within 60 days of release or a payment schedule is agreed upon.
• Housing/Medical invoices can by credit card through www.expressaccount.com or 866-422-6833

The Newaygo County Jail offers many programs for incarcerated persons. The inmates may attend if they so desire, the following programs:

High School Diploma or Equivalent - Newaygo Community Education has made it possible for inmates to obtain their high school diploma or equivalent through classrooms set up at the jail. Every inmate who does not have a high school education is evaluated as to the educational level acquired and placed in classroom settings to obtain the necessary credits to complete their high school education.

Chaplain Services – Forgotten Man Ministries has made nondenominational church services available to anyone who wishes to attend. Forgotten Man Ministries has coordinated services which consist of several area churches who volunteer their time to conduct services within the facility on a weekly basis. Services are also available for our Spanish speaking population. Ordained pastors must register with the Jail Administration Office and receive a card which allows them passage into the facility at any time to visit with members of their congregation. Bible studies are available weekly for anyone who wishes to participate. The Department Chaplain has made himself available to see any inmate at any time of need.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling – One on one counseling has been made available for anyone in need.

Mental Health Services – Members of Newaygo Community Mental Health come to jail on a regular basis to assist inmates with any issues concerning their mental health. Counseling sessions are set up with inmates and are not terminated until those needs are met. They are also available 24 hours per day on an emergency basis.

Medical Services – All medical needs including emergencies are made available 24 hours per day. Any inmate in need of medical assistance can notify medical staff in writing and be seen as soon as possible. Referrals to specialists are made as necessary.

Inmate Commissary - The Newaygo County Jail contracts with Canteen Corporation for commissary needs. All inmates have the opportunity to have an account whereby personal hygiene and food items of their choice can be purchased. Money can be deposited into an inmate account through the use of the kiosk machine located in the lobby at the Sheriff's Office. Online services are available at www.ezmoneyload.com or by calling 1-888-497-2387. An operator will be available to assist you with your call. Another option is called I-Care. A commissary order can be placed and paid for with a credit card by calling 1-888-634-0034. That order will be sent to this facility with all other orders placed for that week. Please do not send money orders. Cash or money orders will not be accepted.